M.S. in Middle Childhood Education: Mathematics (Grades 5-9)

Graduate students majoring in Middle Childhood Education (Grades 5 to 9) must select an academic specialty (19 to 22 credits) from the Liberal Arts and Sciences curriculum. Such study complements the Middle Childhood courses and provides you with specialized knowledge in one particular discipline. This adds depth and breadth to your level of teaching expertise. It is expected that you, as a teacher, will transmit your enthusiasm for the focused subject to young learners, helping them to grow intellectually and socially. You may select Mathematics from among the Liberal Arts and Sciences curriculum. Students in the Middle Childhood Education Program also will take 27 credits in teacher education.

Mathematics Concentration

There is a critical shortage of qualified mathematics teachers throughout the country. This 46-49 credit program will equip you to help fifth through ninth graders gain confidence and proficiency in this indispensable discipline. In the core education courses you will examine how race, socioeconomic factors and gender can impact success in the classroom; and you will master a variety of teaching techniques to motivate and maximize learning at all levels. In addition, you will strengthen your knowledge of set theory, algebra, geometry and the fundamentals of mathematical and logical thinking. To personalize your curriculum you can choose electives from a wide variety of courses—including “History of Mathematics,” “Mathematical Statistics,” and “Number Theory,” “Complex Analysis” and “Linear Programming” -- taught by our accomplished and dedicated faculty. To learn more about our programs and faculty, visit the Department of Mathematics Web site.

Culminating Experience

The number of credits required for the program ranges 46 to 49 credits, depending on your culminating experience. You can choose one of three culminating experiences at the end of your coursework:

Option 2: Comprehensive Exam (46 credits), which is a written essay exam that assesses your knowledge of teaching and the teaching process that was acquired throughout the program’s coursework. There is no thesis/research paper required for this option. This option is for students whose student-teaching requirements are waived.

Option 3: Education Thesis (49 credits), which consists of an original research paper. This option requires three additional credits. Students can pursue the thesis in lieu of the Comprehensive Exam or Student Teaching Portfolio. This is an option sought by students who plan deeper research at the post-master’s level.

After you complete all degree requirements and successfully pass New York state certification tests (LAST, ATS-W and CSTs) you will be awarded Initial Teaching Certification by the New York State Department of Education to teach mathematics to grades 5 to 9. Please see the Teaching Certification Requirements home page for details.